Mandibular Growth following Reconstruction Using a Free Fibula Graft in the Pediatric Facial Skeleton

Autogenous grafts for condylar reconstruction in treatment of TMJ ankylosis: current concepts and considerations for the future

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is characterized by difficulty or inability to open the mouth due to fusion of the temporal and the mandible, resulting in facial symmetry/deformity, malocclusion and dental problems. The only treatment option for TMJ ankylosis is surgical with or without condylar reconstruction. Various autogenous grafts are available for condylar reconstruction after freeing the ankylotic mass such as costochondral, sternoclavicular, fibular, coronoid, and metatarsophalangeal. Costochondral graft is preferred by surgeons, but distraction osteogenesis is slowly gaining popularity and may ultimately become the standard procedure, providing a cost-effective approach with low morbidity and excellent functional outcomes. Tissue engineering is another budding field which has shown promising results in animal studies but has not been applied to humans. To date, there is no ideal autogenous graft for condylar reconstruction that satisfies the complex anatomy and the myriad of functions of a missing condyle.

A protocol for management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis in children

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis in children is a challenging problem. Surgical correction is technically difficult and the incidence of recurrence after treatment is high. The purpose of the present report is to describe the protocol currently used at the Massachusetts General Hospital for the management of TMJ ankylosis in children. It has been our observation that the most common cause of treatment failure is inadequate resection of the ankylotic mass and failure to achieve adequate passive maximal opening in the operating room. The 7-step protocol consists of 1) aggressive excision of the fibrous and/or bony ankylotic mass, 2) coronoidectomy on the affected side, 3) coronoidectomy on the contralateral side, if steps 1 and 2 do not result in a maximal incisal opening greater than 35 mm or to the point of dislocation of the unaffected TMJ, 4) lining of the TMJ with a temporalis myofascial flap or the native disc, if it can be salvaged, 5) reconstruction of the ramus condyle unit with either distraction osteogenesis or costochondral graft and rigid fixation, and 6) early mobilization of the jaw. If distraction osteogenesis is used to reconstruct the ramus condyle unit, mobilization begins the day of the operation. In patients who undergo costochondral graft reconstruction, mobilization begins after 10 days of maxillomandibular fixation. Finally (step 7), all patients receive aggressive physiotherapy. A case series of children with ankylosis treated using this protocol is presented.

Pediatric mandibular reconstruction using a vascularized fibula flap

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to address questions concerning the functional outcome following mandibular reconstruction with vascularized fibula flap in skeletally immature children

METHODS

Eleven patients 14 years old or younger who underwent mandibular reconstruction using a free fibula flap were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 3.4 years. One flap loss occurred and required a second fibula flap. Panorex radiographs showed good bone union and growth in all patients. Functional outcomes were normal according to age in all patients. Two patients had long-term malocclusion. No patients had to undergo corrective orthognathic surgery. Donor-site morbidities consisted of great toe flexion contracture (n = 4) and a valgus deformity (n = 1). All patients had a normal gait, and there were no discrepancies in leg length.

CONCLUSION

A mandible reconstructed using a vascularized fibula flap appears to grow accordingly as the child grows, with minimal disturbance to the growth pattern of the midface.